A video of a sun bear at Hangzhou Zoo in China has taken the internet by storm, as viewers speculate whether it’s actually a human dressed in a bear costume. The bear’s upright posture and loose fur on its back have led to conspiracy theories, but the zoo confirms it is indeed a sun bear named Angela.
The zoo clarified that the confusion arises from people not being familiar with the sun bear, which is the smallest bear species. They explained that sun bears stand on their hind legs to investigate their surroundings, a behavior that may appear human-like. Additionally, their skin can become loose when food is scarce, contributing to the unique appearance.
The Malayan sun bear is a vulnerable species, facing threats from deforestation and illegal hunting. Unfortunately, their population has declined significantly over the past thirty years. Wildlife biologists and conservationists emphasize the importance of raising awareness about sun bears to protect them from further endangerment.
To disprove the human imposter theory, the zoo spokesperson highlighted the impracticality of a human wearing a fur suit in the scorching summer heat.
Intriguing as the conspiracy may be, the truth is that Angela is indeed a sun bear, and understanding and conserving this forgotten species should be our focus.